Fish Hoek AC's Redhill Marathon sees historic turnout in 49th edition
Podium finishers at the Red Hill Marathon 42.2km race. In first place is Sibusiso Madikizela, second place went to Brandon Lewin (right) and third was Madikizela club mate at Gugulethu Athletics Club, Siphosoxolo Moyeni.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
Perhaps one of the most beautiful marathons on the Cape Town running calendar, with hills on one side and a sea breeze on the other, the Timbercity Redhill Marathon, hosted by Fish Hoek Athletics Club, recorded its biggest turnout in its 49-year history.
Originally expecting just over 2 000 runners to take part in the 42.2km and 36km races, more than 3 000 runners eventually arrived to hit the streets.
The route once again took athletes through Masiphumelele, Ocean View, Kommetjie, and Simon’s Town, offering both a scenic and challenging test of endurance.
To cap off what Fish Hoek Athletics Club chairman Mark Jacobs described as a successful race day, Sibusiso Madikizela once again crossed the finish line first, stopping the clock at 2:28.
The victory marked Madikizela’s fourth consecutive win at the Redhill Marathon, finishing more than four minutes ahead of his closest challenger and, in the process, stamping his name firmly into the history books of this iconic race.
Madikizela credited the favourable conditions for helping him successfully defend his title yet again.
“There was no wind, and it was not too hot,” said Madikizela.
“While I was racing, I started noticing that the 36 km runners were going very quickly. I decided to stick with them and knew there was a possibility to run a sub 2:30.”
Jacobs said he hopes Madikizela continues to return to the race until he qualifies for a permanent race number after completing ten editions.
Speaking about the race overall, Jacobs expressed optimism for further growth following the record-breaking turnout. He also noted that the event’s status as a Two Oceans Ultra and Comrades Marathon qualifier continues to attract large numbers of runners.
Runners from different running clubs made full use of perfect weather conditions for running at the weekend.
Image: supplied
“We hit the 3 000 mark, which is the biggest field we’ve had since the inauguration of the race in our 49th edition,” said Jacobs.
“The 13km race had 600 runners, which was also the biggest we’ve ever had.”
“We hope to see the event grow to a point where it is even more sustainable, while also ensuring we don’t negatively impact the environment,” he added.
Title sponsor Timbercity, who have partnered with the race for the past four years, also expressed confidence that the event will continue to grow from strength to strength. Western Cape area manager Steph Claughton said the company remains committed to supporting the marathon.
“We are here for the long haul,” said Claughton.
“One of our slogans is building people, building homes, and building communities. This is a community-based event, and it speaks directly to our values as a company.”